Hilton Papagayo Resort Costa Rica by Apple 

Hilton Papagayo Resort Costa Rica is an All-Inclusive resort located on Costa Rica's magnificent Pacific Coast, the unspoiled Gulf of Papagayo provides a magical setting.

The hotel is located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica, 15 minutes from LIR, on the north side ofGuanacaste. It is convenient to nearby national parks, rainforest preserves, and dive sites, and it is within a hour`s driving time of an active volcano.

Hilton Papagayo consists of 100 Hillside & 60 Bungalow Villas with red tile rooftops and wooden decks, sprinkled in greenery, with winding paths leading to each. There is a shuttle service to transport guests throughout the property.

Close to many excursions, the resort has an excellent fishing location, its natural setting makes itideal for honeymooners and it has two wonderful beaches.

Beach: There are two dark sand volcanic beaches 300 yards long by 20 yards wide, with calm waters safe for swimming. Winding along the mountainside there is a manicured, grassy area fronting the beach, linedwith beach chairs

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“We had a WONDERFUL time!!”

The Resort/Room:
A car from the Hilton Papagayo was waiting for us at the airport with a sign - nice! ($60)
Our check in process was quick and easy.
One of the many shuttles that zoom guests around the resort took us to our room in the 400s - it was way up there. but the view was spectacular. (but don't walk it - it's a serious hike!)
The room was clean, nicely decorated and very comfortable.

The Food:
I was a bit disappointed that we couldn't dine at the sit-down restaurants because we had a child younger than 12 with us. We were not aware of this until we got to the resort. But, the food at the buffet did not disappoint. It was delicious every single time - breakfast and dinner. For lunch we normally dined at the snack bar. And it was sooooo good, too. (there is babysitting available for $15).

Activities:
We went kayaking and snorkeling and took part in the Spanish lesson and played volleyball too. There was plenty to do. You could easily have a lounging holiday laid out on the beach or beside the pool or be really active. We did a bit of both.

We also signed up for one of the Swiss Travel tours - the mega combo. We did the canopy zip cords, the water slide, horseback riding and relaxed in the natural hot springs. We loved it and so did our little boy. The lunch was good, too. It was an excellent excursion. ($125). It was perfect for seeing how Costa Ricans live too because the nearly 2 hour ride gives you a glimpse of neighborhoods and the people.

The Staff:
Everyone at the resort was great. They were friendly, greeted us with a smile and a warm "mucho gusto."

Etc.
On some evenings vendors with souvenirs came through with really neat stuff - and more reasonable than the gift shop mementos.

Make sure you bring bug spray and sunscreen. I only got a few bug bites, thankfully. Also, be on the alert for wildlife. We spotted inguanas (big ones!) and racoons come out at night seeking food. We also spotted beautiful birds that made up for the numerous big red ants and infestation of dragonflys (altho, they justs buzzed about and didn't bother us at all).

If I were you, I'd go before the all-inclusive comes to an end later this year. The grounds were magnificent with lots of bright plants and flowers. The water off the beach was warmer than I expected, but the sand is really packed - not exactly great for building sand castles.

The resort did a great job accommodating people with children and those without. The adult only section was secluded and peaceful.

The gym is just enough. The drinks kept flowing and were adequately spiked with the good liquor.

Ok, I hope that helps anyone considering visiting the Hilton Papagayo. We really enjoyed our nearly week-long stay and would definitely go back again.